Psychological low in spirituality

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Practical Guidance<br><br>Overcoming the obstacle

of psychological lows or depression in one’s

spiritual practice<br><br>All individuals at different

times in their life go through some degree of

depression. Depression is a state of the mind, and as long as

the individual mind consciousness exists, there is a

possibility of depression. Thus, only the complete

dissolution of the individual mind consciousness eliminates

the chances of depression. Depression could be due to

several reasons such as natural phases of the mind,

unpleasant contact with people, personality defects,

over-expectations and finally, spiritual factors. When the

depression is mild, one can take the following measures to

overcome it.<br><br>One should recognize it as a normal

phenomenon and accept it as a part of life. <br><br>Avoid

nourishing the mind by paying extra attention to it.

<br><br>Begin repeating The Lord’s Name* (chanting) rigorously

the moment depression is recognized.<br><br>Make

extra efforts to complete the prescription chant and as

early in the day as possible. <br>Increase chanting.

<br><br>Attempt activities that will take focus away from the

mind, for example, engaging in satseva.

<br><br>Establish immediate contact with a seeker, who is presently

in a spiritual high. Never discuss depression with

one who also is in a low because it results in a

combined low.<br><br>Remind oneself that this phase of

depression is a part of a cycle and goes away by itself.

<br><br>Use response substitution technique to get over the

phase faster.<br><br>Utilize the period of depression

for finishing mundane worldly tasks, which do not

require much initiative and concentration.<br><br>Seek

help from an evolved seeker if one is unable to deal

with the depressions at a personal level and if it

becomes a continued obstacle in one’s spiritual

practice.<br><br>* As per one’s religion. <br><br>- Dr.(Mrs.)Nandini

Samant. <br><br>Source <a href=http://www.sanatan.org/weekly

target=new>http://www.sanatan.org/weekly</a> (#

105)